Where to buy emeralds in Cartagena??

[ladyfox]

We will be docked in Catagena, Colombia for a very short time (7AM to 3PM). I would like to purchase an emerald of good quality from a reputable company. Can anyone give suggestions?

[Richard in Panama]

Many times the cruise line will bring on board someone representing one of the larger, more reputable companies to do lectures about emeralds and bring along a collection to display and sell in the shops. Sometimes the manager of the jewelry shops on board is a jeweler and knows a lot, and sometimes isn't just out to have you buy through his shop on the ship. Contact points. Unless you already know your stuff, I would do lots of research and comparison shopping before you go. The "ship recommended shops" . . . of course the ship is getting a kickback, so what? . . . at least have some reputability. An "emerald of good quality" is a major purchase, so do the research. If you've done even just research on line, you should be able to narrow down the field.

 

Good luck! What a great souvenir of your cruise! Regards, Richard

[golfer1966]

There was an Emeral Store in the Old City that seemed pretty good. We didnt buy anything, but they seemed to be ok.

[itsanita]

We used the recommend stores by the ship.

 

But we also found that they REALLY come down in price when you 'seem unsure'. My DH was determined to buy me an emerald, I keep hesitating and the price kept coming down!

[ladyfox]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I hope I will hear more suggestions as the cruise date gets closer.

[capecodder2]

As mentioned above, do your research and know what to look for and how much you would pay at a good jeweler in your hometown. Sometimes you can do just as well at home and you can take it back if you have issues. I, too, would stick to ship recommended stores, sometimes they can back you up if you have an issue later. If they get a kick-back, as said above "so what".